Their commission was suspicious.

Chapter 815 Keqing, the Conquered

"Now you know how to please me? Too late!" Ke Qing put the pen aside, crossed her arms, and said, looking somewhat unhappy.

"Hey, don't be angry. Want some golden shrimp balls? They're super delicious. Wait here, I'll go get them for you." Without waiting for Ke Qing to refuse, Chen Luo pushed open the bar door and ran inside.

There was no other way; Chen Luo had to secure this collaboration.

After Ningguang's reminder, Chen Luo suddenly remembered that there was another way to collect faith power.

Create a deity for yourself.

Chen Luo had never used this method even in his own collection of dolls, but he didn't need to.

After all, all the puppets are fanatical followers of Chen Luo, and they can obtain tons of faith power without worshipping the idols, although the number of puppets is still very small.

Moreover, building a statue in Liyue to collect faith is indeed something that Chen Luo urgently needs to do.

Thinking about it carefully, it would be such a waste if so many people in Liyue didn't collect their faith.

Although Chen Luo gave Zhongli a Geo Heart as a bonus, allowing him to occasionally collect faith, his efficiency might be somewhat lower than Venti's.

The reason for this is not that Venti is more popular than Zhongli, but that the Rock King is "dead".

Although the Rock King Emperor still walks in this world under the identity of Zhongli, very few people know it.

This means that although the people of Liyue still cherish the memory of the Geo Archon, they will ultimately lose some of their faith.

Moreover, this lost faith will increase over time.

It hurts just thinking about it.

Although these beliefs were not originally Chen Luo's, he didn't like to waste them.

The people of Mondstadt can focus their faith in Venti on the Sky Harp, on the Anemo Statue in Mondstadt Square, on the Western Cathedral, or even on the Windrise, but it seems that there are very few places where their faith in the Rock Lord can be concentrated.

Therefore, if possible, collecting faith by building statues and shrines is an excellent suggestion.

A short while later, Chen Luo ran out of the bar, and Ke Qing immediately lowered her head again, holding about 50 IOUs that she had already copied.

Although Ke Qing pretended to be indifferent, the way the bar was set up, along with the golden shrimp balls Chen Luo mentioned, made Ke Qing a little concerned.

When Chen Luo brought out a plate of golden shrimp balls, the aroma that instantly filled the entire Qunyu Pavilion stirred Ke Qing's heart.

"Come on, have a taste. This isn't a bribe; it's just a plate of ordinary shrimp balls." Chen Luo placed the shrimp balls in front of Ke Qing and then offered her chopsticks.

Whether it's just ordinary shrimp balls or not, this certainly doesn't count as a bribe.

You're testing your cadres with just a dish of food? Which cadre wouldn't withstand such a test?

Well, Keqing clearly couldn't withstand such a test.

The golden shrimp balls in front of me smelled so good.

This is no longer just a simple dish; it is an offering that would move even the gods.

"Keqing, please try it. Consider it feedback on my dish, since I rarely make golden shrimp balls," Chen Luo said sincerely.

Keqing glanced at Chen Luo, who was full of anticipation, and then at Ningguang, who seemed to be deep in thought about a chess game and wasn't looking in their direction. She foolishly thought that no one should be paying attention to her.

After hesitating for a moment, Keqing finally couldn't resist the temptation and picked up her chopsticks to add a golden shrimp ball.

"Mmm..." After just one bite, Ke Qing was instantly captivated by the delicious golden shrimp balls, and a happy expression appeared on her face.

"Don't forget to do your job after you've eaten my golden shrimp balls," Chen Luo said quietly from the side.

Upon hearing Chen Luo's words, Ke Qing instinctively wanted to open her mouth.

However, Chen Luo anticipated Ke Qing's prediction and immediately covered Ke Qing's mouth with his hand, giving her no chance to back out.

"Waaah..." Ke Qing was slapping Chen Luo's hand that was covering her mouth.

Perhaps realizing he had been too impolite, Chen Luo released his control over Ke Qing.

But just as Ke Qing was about to do something, Chen Luo said, "Eat all the golden shrimp balls in front of you!"

After Chen Luo finished speaking, Ke Qing suddenly realized that her body was starting to become somewhat out of control.

Ke Qing clearly wanted to back out, but she happily ate the golden shrimp balls.

This is the power of domination.

Although Chen Luo used it very rarely, the Domination talent evolved from the Herrscher of Domination not only has the power to control all things in the world, but also the ability to control puppets.

Anyway, this power has been granted, but whether Chen Luo can truly control all things depends on Chen Luo's own strength.

It's worth mentioning, however, that while Chen Luo gave the order to eat the shrimp balls, Ke Qing's blissful expression was entirely her own doing.

……

"Hmph, they actually forced me to eat the golden shrimp balls!" After finishing the golden shrimp balls, Ke Qing immediately turned her back on everyone.

"...You're just like one of those heartless men who start something and then abandon it. You're eating shrimp balls while thinking about your sweetheart, but the moment you finish, you're completely unfaithful," Chen Luo complained.

"In short, it's impossible to obtain the right to expropriate land with just a golden shrimp ball. That's not in accordance with the rules. However... considering that you were the one who facilitated this potential cooperation with the other world, it's not impossible for me to personally oversee it and authorize it in advance."

Without needing any kind words from Gan Yu who had been watching, Ke Qing started to give in on her own.

"You mean there are conditions?" Chen Luo instantly understood Ke Qing's subtext.

"Ningguang, do you mind if I finish this game for you?" Keqing walked up to Ningguang and looked at the current situation in Liyue over the past thousand years, and said to Ningguang.

"Oh? I don't mind. What do you want to do?" Ningguang asked with interest.

"Let's finish this Liyue Millennium game together. If you win, I'll personally oversee this matter for you. If you lose, you'll have to wait in line obediently," Keqing said, pointing to the unfinished Liyue Millennium game in front of her.

While one could honestly wait in line and buy land using Ningguang's status, the problem is that with Keqing overseeing things, it would definitely be much faster. Approval today and passage tonight wouldn't be impossible.

“This…no problem.” Chen Luo “reluctantly” agreed to the bet.

After the two finished their discussion, Ningguang changed seats, giving her original seat to Keqing.

In Ningguang's opinion, Keqing had bullied Chen Luo to some extent.

The game of Liyue Millennium was created by Ningguang, so Ningguang has already created a huge advantage on the board.

To put it somewhat inappropriately, the current situation on the field is like one Cú Chulainn facing three Scáthachs.

Even if you just scatter some millet on the chessboard and let the chickens peck at it, you can still draw.

Looking at Ke Qing, who sat confidently in Ning Guang's seat, Chen Luo fell into a state of waiting.

Ningguang should have been playing chess by now, but Keqing has taken over Ningguang's position, so it's her turn to make the next move.

"Keqing, it's your turn to go," Ningguang reminded her.

"Alright, I won't bully you. We do have a slight advantage on the board right now, so I'll let you go first," Ke Qing said to Chen Luo.

Keqing has a clear understanding of the current situation on the board, and she has also done extensive research on the Millennium Chess game in Liyue.

Although it can't compare to Ningguang, with such a huge advantage, how could it possibly lose?

Chen Luo didn't stand on ceremony. If winning was originally a pleasure, then winning now became a mission.

"Splash!"

A large basket of chess pieces was poured off the chessboard.

Keqing's smile, which had been eagerly anticipating victory and had already established his winning formula, instantly froze on his face.

"Thank you for the compliment," Chen Luo said somewhat embarrassed.

"..." by Keqing.

Wait, what happened?

How did we suddenly lose?

Ke Qing didn't quite understand how she lost.

But the outcome on the chessboard is already decided.

The Herrscher of Knowledge, who had been watching with great interest how to play the Liyue Millennium event, suddenly turned her head away, losing interest.

Although the special ability of "Sheng Tian Ban Jin Zi" will not be noticed by others, the premise is that no one knows the specific information about the ability and does not know that Chen Luo has this skill.

Those who understand the laws are different; they knew long ago that Chen Luo possessed this outrageous ability.

This is not about deriving the result from the process, but rather about deducing the process from the result.

Even the demon god Othinus was unaware of Chen Luo's ability to win against all odds; she only believed that Chen Luo possessed a chess-playing ability similar to her own 50/50 skill.

The process was completely wrong, but the result was correct.

“A bet's a bet, and the land application should be approved by noon tomorrow. Ningguang, send someone over as soon as possible,” Keqing said.

Keqing's expression isn't exactly good right now.

In a situation where she could win by sheer chance, Ke Qing suspected that Chen Luo was playing her for a fool, or perhaps he had planned it all in advance.

But that shouldn't be the case. Chen Luo shouldn't have imagined that he would decide the outcome in this way, right? How could he have planned ahead and ended up losing so badly?

This unscientific.

"Don't dwell on it so much. Victory and defeat are common in war. It's the same in chess; winning and losing are normal." After winning through some tricks, Chen Luo couldn't help but comfort Ke Qing.

Even Chen Luo wasn't shameless enough to be smug after winning by cheating.

Even while playing games, Chen Luo was able to remain calm and acknowledge that there were wins and losses.

However, if something truly important is involved, then a strong response is necessary.

"Alright, you don't need to tell me this. I already know," Ke Qing said, shaking her head.

Keqing is one of the seven stars of Liyue.

No one's life is smooth sailing. Even Ningguang, who is now a high-ranking star, has had times when she doesn't make money in business.

Those who lack ability simply cannot attain the position of the Seven Stars.

"You should focus more on your own contracts and agreements, otherwise you might end up being sold out and still helping the seller count the money." After thinking for a moment, Ke Qing finally found an aspect that could somewhat overpower Chen Luo.

At least you won't get scammed if you sign the contract yourself.

It's not hard to admit your failure; the hard part is how to fight back after admitting your failure.

"This……"

Who was being sold out and then helping the seller count the money? Chen Luo couldn't say for sure.

But Chen Luo can sell Ke Qing now.

"If you beg me, I might be able to tell you some tips. While I won't let you cheat others when signing contracts, I can prevent you from being cheated," Ke Qing said, arms crossed and head held high.

Keqing is the kind of teacher who only teaches defense and not offense. However, sometimes if you are good at defense, you can turn defensive moves into attacks.

“No need for that, but I’d like to ask, how many IOUs have you copied?” Chen Luo said.

Chen Luo's words immediately made Ke Qing's face stiffen.

"You want me to copy the IOU?!"

I helped you so much, and you still want me to sign the lines.

Do you have any conscience at all?

"Ah, no, I just want to get the IOU back. Just give me whatever copy you want." Chen Luo reached out his hand to Ke Qing.

"Hmph." Ke Qing was at a loss for words.

Ke Qing was a little reluctant to give Chen Luo the IOUs she had spent half a day writing, but the problem was that these IOUs were originally meant for Chen Luo.

However, these IOUs have a dark history.

Finally, after much hesitation and reluctance, the IOU ended up in Chen Luo's hands.

"Don't make that face. It's not like I'm not going to pay you back these IOUs," Chen Luo said.

"Huh? You're going to return the IOU to me?" Ke Qing was taken aback.

Has Chen Luo finally realized how much this girl has helped him?

"Of course I'll pay you back. IOUs are meant to be used, but not like this. How about this: every time you make a purchase at my store, I'll give you an IOU? But the condition is that it's a valid purchase," Chen Luo said, holding up the stack of IOUs.

"What is effective consumption?" Ke Qing asked, somewhat puzzled.

Besides, if it's for a purchase, wouldn't it be better for me to just give you the money directly? Can't you just return the IOU?

Does your bar need to hire someone to boost customer traffic?